In a recent announcement by the Ministry of External Affairs, it was revealed that the initial group of Indian personnel stationed in the Maldives has been replaced by technical staff. Speaking during a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the successful turnover of the team responsible for operating the ALH helicopter. This completion marks the replacement of the first batch of personnel, as part of an ongoing process.
It's worth noting that the Maldivian government, under the leadership of Mohamed Muizzu, has officially requested the withdrawal of Indian troops from Male, the capital city. However, both India and the Maldives have reached an agreement on implementing mutually beneficial solutions to ensure the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms, which provide crucial humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the Maldivian populace.
Last month saw the arrival of the first contingent of Indian technical personnel in the Maldives, marking the beginning of the replacement process for defence personnel. The two nations have engaged in two high-level core group meetings, with another scheduled in the near future.
The removal of Indian troops from the Maldives was a central theme in Muizzu's party's election campaign. Presently, there are approximately 70 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters. Muizzu reiterated his stance that no Indian military personnel would remain in the country after May 10, regardless of whether they are in uniform or civilian attire.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed confidence that diplomatic channels would resolve the tensions with the Maldives. He emphasized that Indian military personnel and aviation platforms in the Maldives have been solely dedicated to serving the local population. Jaishankar acknowledged that misunderstandings can arise between nations but stressed the importance of diplomacy in finding solutions.
"In the realm of diplomacy, humanity prevails alongside political considerations. While challenges may arise, diplomacy remains the cornerstone of resolving disputes," remarked Jaishankar during a recent event. He underscored the necessity of providing clarity and understanding to prevent misinformation and promote productive dialogue between nations.
